A Non-Surgical Option for Knee Arthritis Near You
Ease Knee Arthritis Stiffness With Viscosupplementation
When knee pain makes stairs, walks, and sleep harder, it helps to know your options. Viscosupplementation is a non-surgical injection for osteoarthritis and arthritis in the knee. It uses hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance that’s already found in your joint fluid. In a healthy joint, it helps the joint move smoothly and absorbs shock.
At DiCesare Orthopedic Medicine in Greensburg, Dr. Jacob DiCesare offers viscosupplementation as part of a plan built around your goals. He has taught physicians from around the world to use ultrasound and prolotherapy through the American Association of Orthopaedic Medicine. He also uses ultrasound to guide joint injections. If needles make you uneasy, he listens to your concerns and takes the time to talk through each step with you.
If stiff knees are keeping you from your day, request an appointment online. You can also call our front desk at (724) 261-4080 with questions about viscosupplementation. Same-day and same-week appointments are available.
See Where Hyaluronic Acid Injections Fit
How Viscosupplementation Works and Who It May Help
Who May Be a Good Candidate for Viscosupplementation
Viscosupplementation is usually an option after other non-surgical steps haven’t been enough. If knee pain still limits your daily life, it may be worth a conversation. It may not fit if your pain is coming from somewhere other than the joint. Research also suggests it may work best for mild to moderate arthritis.
An exam helps us sort out what’s behind your pain, and so does imaging when it’s needed. Along the way, we may also talk about corticosteroid injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, or stem cell injections with Lipogems.
Steps usually tried first:
- Activity changes
- Weight loss
- Pain relievers
- Physical therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
What Happens During a Viscosupplementation Visit
Your visit starts with an exam and a talk about your pain. We ask about your health history, past treatments, and goals. It helps to bring a list of what you’ve already tried, plus any recent imaging. If viscosupplementation fits, the gel is injected into the knee joint. Our team can use musculoskeletal ultrasound to guide the needle.
Depending on the product, treatment can be one shot or a series of up to five shots over several weeks. If your knee is swollen, a provider may remove extra fluid first, often through the same needle. Before your shot, tell us about any allergies, any medicines you take, and any recent illness or fever. These details help us decide whether the timing is right. We’ll explain which product and schedule make sense for you. Your plan can also include at-home tips to take some strain off the joint.
A knee injection, or a series of them, can feel like a lot if needles make you nervous. It helps to say so. Dr. DiCesare listens to your worries and takes the time to explain what he’s doing. Two patients shared what their knee injection visits were like.
“I was having knee discomfort and needed to get a shot in it. I wanted to get it but was afraid so I cancelled the first time. But the second time I went, Dr. DiCesare listened to my fears and calmly said, ‘Denise, you’re going to be just fine, you can do this; it’s as easy as giving blood.’”
“Dr. DiCesare was excellent. I didn’t even feel the needle when he drained and injected! I felt the little pinch of lidocaine, that’s it! He also spent the time to explain the entire anatomy and function of the knee!”
Recovery and Activity After Your Injection
Pain, warmth, and mild swelling right after a shot are common. They usually fade fairly quickly, and ice can help. Avoid strenuous activity, such as jogging or heavy lifting, for 48 hours. Give yourself a few weeks before you judge the results, since benefit can take time to appear. It can help to jot down how your knee feels as the weeks go by, so you can share that with us.
Call us if pain or swelling gets worse instead of better.
Contact us right away if your knee:
- Fills with fluid
- Becomes red, warm, and painful
That’s a rare reaction, and it needs prompt attention.
Cost and Coverage for Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Coverage for hyaluronic acid injections depends on your plan, the product used, and your diagnosis. We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. What you pay also depends on your deductible and the details of your visit. Our team can talk through what to expect before you book a series of shots. Call our front desk at (724) 261-4080 with cost questions, or look over the plans we work with on our Insurance and Billing page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does viscosupplementation take to work, and how long can it last?
Relief can take several weeks to appear, and results vary. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons(opens in a new tab)(opens in a new tab) says some people feel better for several months. If it helps, repeat injections are usually considered about every six months. Whether a repeat makes sense depends on how your knee responds.
How is viscosupplementation different from a cortisone shot?
A cortisone shot uses a corticosteroid medicine to calm swelling. Viscosupplementation adds a gel-like substance meant to cushion the joint. Cortisone is often tried first, and you can learn more on our page about corticosteroid injections.
What if I’m nervous about getting a knee injection?
Feeling nervous about a knee injection is common, and it’s okay to tell us. Dr. DiCesare listens to your concerns, explains what he’s doing, and talks you through each step. You’re welcome to ask questions before, during, and after your shot.
What if viscosupplementation doesn’t help my knee?
Results vary from person to person, so a shot that doesn’t help is not unusual. Dr. Jacob DiCesare can review other non-surgical options with you, such as PRP therapy. If your knee needs surgery, he’ll refer you to an orthopedic surgeon.
How do I schedule viscosupplementation near me?
Request an appointment online for a knee exam, or call our front desk at (724) 261-4080. Same-day and same-week appointments are available, and our team will help you find a time that works. We look forward to seeing you!
Schedule Your Knee Arthritis Injection Visit
Expertise You Can Trust, Compassion You Deserve